A traditional belief in Iranian culture indicates that parental consumption of chicory leaves (Chicorium intybus L.) affects the gender of newborns. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aqueous extract chicory on offspring sex ratio in rat. All rats in experimental groups 1 and 2 were i.p. injected by 1 and 0.7 g/kg body weight (LD50= 2.244 g/kg) of aqueous extract of chicory leaves for 30 days with 72 hours intervals, respectively. Control rats were injected by distilled water in the same manner. After the 8th injection, blood pH and Na+, K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ serum levels were measured in all groups. At the day 30, all rats were mated within and between groups. Our results revealed that in comparison with control group, there were significant increases (P<0.01) in [Na+] and [K+], as well as sex ratio (10.23%) in experimental group 1. Therefore, it can be concluded that chicory leaves extract administration has significant effect on the sex ratio of rat offspring.

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